Bottas now resigned to play support role at Mercedes

©Mercedes/WolfgangWilhelm

Valtteri Bottas knows that he is now confined to a support role at Mercedes, and vows to help Lewis Hamilton win his fifth world championship.

While Kimi Raikkonen very much raced as his own man at Monza, likely because he knew he would not be remaining at the Scuderia next season, Bottas perfectly followed Mercedes' strategic script and team game.

"I understand that Lewis is fighting for the title while my chances are very small," said the Finn. "So if I can help him do it, I will."

Bottas' support role at Ferrari's home race thoroughly frustrated Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene, whose post-race comments included the Italian labeling the Finn a mere "butler".

Arrivabene owns up to mistake - apologizes to Bottas

Arrivabene later apologized for his derogatory remark.

"Everyone is free to express their thoughts. I was amused by some of them," said Bottas.

"What really matters to me is how I perform and how the team is working. Both drivers work for the team and although the team doesn't want to spoil my race, I want to help where I can.

"For example at Monza I drove a longer first stint, but at the end of the race I was able to attack on fresh tyres and eventually went on the podium. The team wants us both to succeed," he added.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.